Edwin F. Neckermann

December 26, 1934 - September 14, 2023

U.S. Veteran

A Service in Witness to Ed’s Life and Faith will take place on Friday, September 29, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 247 W. Lovell St., Kalamazoo. The family requests that bright, happy colors be worn! Military honors will be rendered. Ed will be placed with those of his wife and next to his son in the Columbarium of St. Luke’s Church.

Special thanks to Ed’s longtime physician, Dr. Jeffrey Coppinger and to Elara Hospice, especially Geri, Melissa and Julie.

Memorial contributions may be made to SPCA of Southwest Michigan, in c/o the funeral home.

Edwin F. Neckermann was called home to his Lord and Savior on September 14, 2023. Upon arrival Ed told the Lord, “My daughter says you know more chemistry than I do! Is that true?” asking with a grin. Jesus said, “Let me show you a few things!” And before you knew it a great bond was made between Dad and the Lord. Needless to say, Ed was thrilled beyond belief before the previously called family members chimed in and said, “Can we say hello? Welcome? “bout time ya got here?” Jesus nodded and said, “Take all the time you need.”

Ed came into this world in Chicago, on December 26, 1934, simply because his mother did not want to spend Christmas in the hospital. His parents, the best in the world, Dr. Edwin F. Neckermann Sr., and Martha E. (nee Gerbrecht) brought him home to Elmhurst, IL, where he would grow up with his brother Ernie, and enjoy a beautiful young life before being shipped off to Western Military School. He was a pre-med graduate of Knox College in Galesburg, IL, and Uncle Sam nailed him for two glorious years in the U.S. Army as a combat medic, only to serve with Elvis Presley! Prior to heading off to serve his country, Ed married Wanda M. (nee Tickell) Neckermann, to whom he remained faithfully ball and chained for over 50 years! While serving in Germany, he welcomed his first child, Natalie.

Upon coming home, Ed did not go to medical school, but took up a love for chemical engineering, which gave him much joy for the rest of his life. In 1969, he added a son, Edwin, Clifford. Shortly after, Ed bought his business from Beatrice Foods for whom he worked and started what would become American Fillers and Abrasives, and moved the family to Michigan, where they have resided ever since.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda and son, Edwin. He is survived by his daughter and caregiver, Natalie; grandsons, Rich (Janie) and Andrew; daughter in law, Julia Stoltie Neckermann; the most beautiful great-grandaughters in the world, Lucy and Madeline; brother, The Reverend Ernest Charles (Barbara) Neckermann; and his cats, Wrigley and Gizmo; and lots of friends, both human and furry.